PUBLIC ACCREDITATION AGENCY
FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
PAAHE
STATE QUALITY STANDARDS
FOR
ACCREDITATION OF SECOND CYCLE STUDY PROGRAMS
(PROFESIONAL MASTER, MASTER OF SCIENCE, INTEGRATE DIPLOMA)
Tirana 2012
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 1
State Quality Standards in Higher Education Institutions
Prepared for publication by PAAHE
Director of PAAHE
Prof.Dr Avni Meshi
Head of Evaluation and Promotion Sector, Çlirim Duro
Head of Statistics and Analyses Sector, Niko Hyka
PAAHE
Public Accreditation Agency for Higher Education
Address: Rr. Durrësit, pranë gjim. Qemal Stafa, Tirana, Albania
Tel/Fax: ++355 (0) 4 2 257954/ ++355 (0)4 2 266302
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.aaal.edu.al
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 2
STATE QUALITY STANDARDS
State Quality Standards, logic and organization
State Quality Standards are drafted in accordance with and for implementation of
Article 61 of Law No.9741 of 21.5.2007, "On Higher Education in Republic of
Albania", amended and pursuant to guidelines of Quality Assurance in European Area
of Higher Education.They help Higher Education Institutions to assess their procedures,
outcomes and potential. Division in chapters directs Higher Education Institutions to
fulfill basic tasks (study programs, science policy, and institution management) and
helps them to assess the internal quality assurance from a strategic viewpoint. With
these normative standards that are possible to be implemented, institutions are allowed
all freedom of expression.
Based on the operation logic, this set of standards invites Higher Education Institutions
to accept it. With a properly performed assessment, Institution will have an overall
vision ofits functioning and greater autonomy in management policy.
The logic on the basis of which State Quality Standards are designed dictates that they
should be distributed to all constituent units of higher education institutions in order to
to include not only the bodies and their management authorities in the self-evaluation
process.
This is the opportunity to create a dynamic stream that will lay before them the need for
recognition of successful collective practices and the use of instruments and methods for
a sustainable assessment.
Thus, Institution will use the self-evaluation process for its own purposes, as a real tool
of measurement and progress to show the image that will distinguish it among other
institutions. Furthermore, internal assessment report that it will have drafted, will enable
Public Agency for Higher Education Accreditation (PAHEA) to assess the ability of
institution to prove that it meets its obligations and responsibilities and it is aware of its
capacities.
Glossary
Principal objectives of study programs and standards of offered programs are the basis
for building chapters and highlighting the goals that Higher Education Institutions aim
to achieve in relation to their missions in public service. (examples: students from
registration to employment; research: research outcomes, dissemination, evaluation,
transfer, etc.).
Standards: They are the entire requirements, qualities and characteristics that help to
achieve
these fundamental objectives of HEI-s, which are defined as targets to respond to a
certain level of institution development (examples: Institution pursues a policy of
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 3
welcoming new students, Institution follows a policy of public communication and
dissemination of outcomes in scientific research field...).
Criteria: They are examples of good practice, listed in a non-final form (that is, they
are not reviewed finally). They help Institution to meet standards in favor of quality
improvement (examples: Institution offers Study programs and provides academic staff
for their accomplishment; institution interacts with actors from local or foreign
economic and business areas). Performance indicators and solutions tailored to achieve
its best, will improve Institution functioning.
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 4
State Quality Standards in Higher Education Institutions.
State Quality Standards represent the entire requirements, criteria that Institution
meets, which serve as a set of recommendations to help Higher Education Institutions to
reach a certain development level. The criteria are standard, achievable, verifiable,
clearly defined elements on which Institutions rely to fulfill their missions and they are
used to make an assessment a classification, etc.
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 5
Contents
Standard I.3 - Study programs are offered in accordance with laws and bylaws in force.
Standard I.4 - Study programs are offered in accordance with level of studies.
Standard I.5 - Study programs aim to reach international dimensions.
Standard I.6 - Study programs include vocational training and scientific research.
Standard I.7 - Study programs "Professional Master" are offered in accordance with
labor market needs.
Standard I.8 - Study programs take into account labor market needs.
Standard I.9 - Study programs aim at maintaining national cultural values and national
interests.
Standard I.10 - Institution uses evaluation methodologies, measuring and evaluation
instruments for the progress of study programs.
Standard I.11 - Institution drafts a development plan for study programs, teaching and
learning results.
Standard I.12 - Duration and number of credits for study programs of this cycle are in
accordance with law No. 9741 of 21.5.2007, "On Higher Education in Republic of
Albania", amended.
Standard I.13 - Institution publishes regularly unbiased, objective, qualitative and
quantitative information for internal evaluation.
II - ORGANIZATION, MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF
INSTITUTION IS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH STUDY PROGRAMS NEEDS.
Standard II.1 - Academic, assisting teaching-scientific and administrative staff are
engaged to fulfill study programs objectives.
Standard II.2 - Institution is organized in accordance with laws and bylaws in force, to
accomplish its mission.
Standard II.3 - Institution units are engaged directly and devotedly for study programs
implementation.
Standard II.4 - Academic staff is engaged in designing and implementing institution
development policies.
Standard II.5 - Institution provides the necessary infrastructure for implementation of
second cycle study programs and integrated study programs of second cycle that it
offers.
Standard II.6 - Institution provides effective management of information about study
programs.
Standard II.7 - Institution conducts an annual analysis to assess second cycle study
programs and second cycle integrated programs.
Standard II.8 - Second cycle study programs and second cycle integrated study
programs provide for a graduation plan.
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 6
Standard II.9 - Institution makes an annual (external and/or internal) audit about the
financial situation.
III - STAFF OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS is COMPOSED OF
ACADEMIC STAFF, SUPPORTING TEACHING-SCIENTIFIC STAFF AND
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF.
Standard III.1 - Institution follows legal and transparent procedures for personnel
recruitment and evaluation.
Standard III.2 - Academic staff (with scientific degrees and academic titles) covers the
Institution needs and have clearly defined responsibilities.
Standard III.3 - Academic staff is engaged in scientific activities organized in the study
program framework.
Standard III.4 - Institution offers also teaching programs in foreign language, with a
qualified academic staff.
Standard III.5 - Students who attend study programs of the second cycle "Master of
Science" or integrated study programs of second cycle have a supervisor for the thesis.
Standard III.6 - Study-research field in which the supervisor is specialized is consistent
with the study field in which the study program is provided and thesis is foreseen to be
prepared.
Standard III.7 - Institution engages supporting teaching-scientific and administration
staff to fulfill its mission.
Standard III.8 - Academic staff carries out the teaching load defined in laws and bylaws
in force.
Standard III.9 - Institution has a database for its personnel
IV - INSTITUTIONS PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF STUDENTS
Standard IV.1 - Students have the right to pursue study programs of second cycle and
integrated study programs of second cycle.
Standard IV. 2 - Institution informs students about: the institution status, study
programs it offers and employment policies.
Standard IV. 3 - When institution applies for evaluation and accreditation for the second
time, it has statistics about the number of students attending study programs of second
cycle and integrated programs of second cycle.
Standard IV. 4 - Institution has a database about employment statistics of graduate
students after completion of study programs of second cycle and integrated study
programs of second cycle.
Standard IV. 5 - Institution informs students consistently in details about study
programs.
Standard IV. 6 - Institution engages its staff to care for students.
V - INSTITUTIONS PROVIDES SERVICES AND MAKES LIBRARIES AND
OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 7
Standard V. 1 - Institution makes its library available to students.
Standard V. 2 - Institution makes available to students sufficient labs and appropriate
learning facilities.
V. 3 - Institution has cooperative relations with domestic or foreign business actors to
carry out practices his students.
VI - INSTITUTION HAS AND MANAGES FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Standard VI.1 - Institution drafts a financial report on costs of study programs.
VII - INSTITUTION GUARANTEES INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL
COOPERATION RELATIONS
Standard VII.1 - Institution guarantees fruitful cooperation relations among its staff.
Standard VII.2 - Institution guarantees collaborative relationship with counterpart
institutions abroad and domestic or foreign business actors.
VIII - INSTITUTION GUARANTEES QUALITY ASSURANCE
Standard VIII.1 - Institution guarantees quality assurance in realization of study
programs.
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 8
STATE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR ACCREDITATION OF SECOND
CYCLE STUDY PROGRAMS AND INTEGRATED SECOND CYCLE
PROGRAMS
I - PROVISION OF STUDY PROGRAMS
Standard I. 1 - Institution offers study programs in accordance with its mission
and purpose.
Criterion 1 Institution offers accredited study programs, organized in modules and
evaluated by credits under European Credits Collection and Transfer System (ECTS);
Criterion 2 Average amount of credits accrued during the year by a student who attends
a full-time study program is 60 credits;
Criterion 3 Study programs are designed in accordance with Institution purposes and
mission;
Criterion 4 Study programs are designed in accordance with labor market needs;
Criterion 5 Study programs are designed in accordance with economic development of
the country.
Criterion 6 Study programs reflect the will of Institution to maintain nation values.
Standard I.2 - Study programs are consistent with institution’s development
strategy.
Criterion 1 Study programs are geared to institution’s development strategy;
Criterion 2 Second cycle study programs "Master of Science", "Master
of Fine Arts" or "Professional Master" provide students who possess the university
degree "Bachelor" with in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge, and training for
scientific research or proper professional training;
Criterion 3 Study programs: Master of Science" or "Master of Fine Arts" and
"Professional Master" intend to expand the knowledge acquired in the first cycle of
studies;
Criterion 4 Integrated study programs of second cycle (in medicine,
dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary, architecture) provide students with in-depth knowledge,
theoretical and practical scientific competencies, and scientific research training
according to the field. After their completion and successful completion of State exam
for the specific program, students are entitled to exercise a regulated profession under
the law in force;
Criterion 5 Study programs of this cycle provide students with general and professional
competencies intended to be achieved or enlarged during its conduct;
Criterion 6 Study programs: "Master of Science" or "Master of Fine Arts" and
"Professional Master" create strong knowledge foundations for the third cycle of studies
– doctorate, including qualification for scientific research and meeting of prerequisites
(knowledge, skills and competencies) for admission to the third cycle of studies;
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 9
Criterion 7 “Professional Master” study programs have clear professional, justifiable,
achievable objectives, with clear goals for achieving the necessary qualifications and in
accordance with labor market requirements.
Standard I.3 - Study programs are offered in accordance with laws and bylaws in
force.
Criterion 1 The content of study programs is in accordance with criteria defined by
laws and regulations in force;
Criterion 2 Study program naming is consistent with qualifications level achieved and
determined by Albanian Qualification Framework.
Standard I.4 - Study programs are offered in accordance with level of studies.
Criterion 1 The content and order of objectives of study programs aim at achieving
their goals in line with the level of studies in which they are offered;
Criterion 2 Methods of students' assessment through continuous knowledge control by
means of tests with alternative answers or final exams demonstrate students' progress
and achievements for relevant cycle of studies.
Standard I.5 - Study programs aim to reach international dimensions.
Criterion 1 Study programs are based on many years experience and practices of
European countries;
Criterion 2 Study programs are internationally competitive in the elements they contain
(general information, key objectives, curriculum, credits, terms of admission,
assessment methods, criteria and procedures for transfer of acquired credits and
knowledge, diplomas awarded on completion, etc..) affirming university education
values in Albania;
Criterion 3 Study programs are designed in accordance with objectives defined in the
EU legislation and directives on higher education and regulated professions.
Standard I.6 - Study programs include vocational training and scientific research.
Criterion 1 Second cycle programs and second cycle integrated programs include
vocational training and scientific research;
Criterion 2 Study programs are designed in accordance with the Higher Education
Institution profile and its development strategy;
Criterion 3 Academic staff is engaged in scientific research work for realization of
study programs;
Criterion 4 Research work of academic staff engaged in study program implementation
corresponds with the aims to meet its objectives.
Standard I.7 - Study programs "Professional Master" are offered in accordance
with labor market needs.
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 10
Criterion 1 Second cycle study programs "Professional Master" are offered in
accordance with labor market needs;
Criterion 2 Second cycle study programs "Professional Master" aim at meeting the
needs in relevant domestic or foreign economy sectors.
Standard I.8 - Study programs take into account labor market needs.
Criterion 1 Study programs take into account labor market needs and are prepared in
accordance with strategic goals of national economic development;
Criterion 2 In order to assess labor market needs, Institution carries out a market study,
which includes:
a. students’ employment opportunities in domestic or regional, national and
international market;
b. demands of employers;
c. a rough estimate of expected number of students that may be enrolled in this program;
d. number of enrollments in similar programs of sister institutions.
Standard I.9 - Study programs aim at maintaining national cultural values and
national interests.
Criterion 1 Institution offers study programs that do not conflict with national interests;
Criterion 2 Study programs intend to help preserve national cultural values.
Standard I.10 - Institution uses evaluation methodologies, measuring and
evaluation instruments for the progress of study programs.
Criterion 1 Institution uses evaluation methodologies, measuring and evaluation
instruments for the progress of study programs;
Criterion 2 Institution includes this piece of information in the self assessment it makes
in order to achieve the internal quality assurance;
Criterion 3 Institution publishes the assessment results and results it aims to achieve;
Criterion 4 In order to conduct the assessment, Institution uses indirect or direct
methods:
Indirect:
a. Survey: for students who follow study programs, for graduates in these programs in
previous academic years or in different cycles of study;
b. Surveys assessing didactics, curriculum, learning;
c. Conceptual question;
d. Interviews;
e. Etc.
Direct:
a. Outcomes achieved by students in standardized national/international tests (e.g. State
exam for regulated professions);
b. Hearings in auditorium;
c. Outcomes achieved by students in exams assessed with grades / points;
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 11
d. Outcomes achieved by students in preliminary and final tests, examinations for
modules, professional practices;
e. Outcomes achieved by students in assessment of tasks performed during the study
program conduct (course assignments for analyzing conceptual understanding,
presentations. exams, etc.);
f. Observations in performance of exercises / practice;
g. Outcomes achieved and quality of research result - thesis;
h. Etc..
Standard I.11 - Institution drafts a development plan for study programs, teaching
and learning results.
Criterion 1 Institution prepares a strategic plan in Institution level for the development
and improvement of study programs;
Criterion 2 Institution prepares a strategic plan in Institution level to improve teaching
and learning results.
Standard I.12 - Duration and number of credits for study programs of this cycle
are in accordance with law No. 9741 of 21.5.2007, "On Higher Education in
Republic of Albania", amended.
Criterion 1 Study programs "Master of Science" is realized with 120 European credits,
ECTS, including 30-40 European credits, ECTS for the research project and thesis to be
prepared at the completion of these study programs. Normal duration is 2 academic
years;
Criterion 2 Study programs "Professional Master" are conducted with 60-90 European
credits, ECTS. Their normal duration is 1-1.5 (one to one year and a half) academic
years.
Criterion 3 Integrated study programs of second cycle are completed with the issue of
diploma "Master of Science." They are conducted with no less than 300 European
credits, ECTS (360 European credits, ECTS for studies in the medical field). Normal
duration of integrated study programs is no less than five academic years (6 years for
studies in the medicine field).
Standard I.13 - Institution publishes regularly unbiased, objective, qualitative and
quantitative information for internal evaluation.
Criterion 1 Institution publishes regularly brochures, newsletters, etc.., designed and
published by Institution for internal evaluation;
Criterion 2 Institution posts regularly video audio presentations, etc.., on the website
for internal evaluation.
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 12
II - ORGANIZATION, MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF
INSTITUTION IS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH STUDY PROGRAMS
NEEDS.
Standard II.1 - Academic, assisting teaching-scientific and administrative staff are
engaged to fulfill study programs objectives.
Criterion 1 The academic, assisting teaching-scientific and administrative staff are
engaged to fulfill objectives of study programs and to achieve them;
Criterion 2 Academic, assisting teaching-scientific and administrative staff of
Institution are engaged in accordance with institution development strategy.
Standard II.2 - Institution is organized in accordance with laws and bylaws in
force, to accomplish its mission.
Criterion 1 Institution is organized in order to fulfill its mission;
Criterion 2 Institution has at least two Faculties;
Criterion 3 Faculty is organized in basic units. Each college has at least three basic
units, from which two are departments;
Criterion 4 Faculty or Institute of Research and Development consists of 3 basic units
at least with well-defined objectives and mission;
Criterion 5 Department should be composed of 7 effective members at least as
academic staff, 3 of whom at least should have the scientific degree "Doctor."
Standard II.3 - Institution units are engaged directly and devotedly for study
programs implementation.
Criterion 1 Basic and main units are aware of responsibilities they have to realize the
study programs;
Criterion 2 Basic and main units arte involved in necessary academic staff recruitment
and evaluation process.
Standard II.4 - Academic staff is engaged in designing and implementing
institution development policies.
Criteria 1 Academic staff plays a key role in curriculum drafting and
institutional decisions that belong to organization of study programs;
Criterion 2 Recruitment of new staff and allocation of teaching load is made in
accordance with laws and bylaws in force.
Standard II.5 - Institution provides the necessary infrastructure for
implementation of second cycle study programs and integrated study programs of
second cycle that it offers.
Criterion 1 Institution has a permanent location, which means central administrative
premises and facilities where teaching activity is conducted;
Criterion 2 These facilities are available to Institution for no less than 6 years;
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 13
Criterion 3 If the study program is offered in more than one building, institution
provides efficient management and continuous control for achievement of standards and
implementation of educational policies designed for realization of study programs that it
offers;
Criterion 4 Institution provides sufficient capacities and facilities for implementation of
professional practices foreseen for realization of study programs in the fields of health,
veterinary, agriculture, technical sciences etc..
Standard II.6 - Institution provides effective management of information about
study programs.
Criterion 1 The information provided for study programs, modules and syllabuses is
easily consultable for students;
Criterion 2 Information on study programs, modules and syllabuses is offered
in various written and electronic forms.
Standard II.7 - Institution conducts an annual analysis to assess second cycle study
programs and second cycle integrated programs.
Criterion 1 Institution makes an annual analysis to assess the progress of second cycle
study programs and second cycle integrated study programs;
Criterion 2 Institution develops policies aimed at improving second cycle study
programs and second cycle integrated study programs;
Standard II.8 - Second cycle study programs and second cycle integrated study
programs provide for a graduation plan.
Criterion 1 Graduation plan explains graduation manner at the completion of studies
within the prescribed period;
Criterion 2 30-40 credits are foreseen for the implementation of study programs
"Master of Science", for research project and thesis.
Standard II.9 - Institution makes an annual (external and/or internal) audit about
the financial situation.
Criterion 1 Audit report presents the entire financial situation for the use of budget
made available to implement second cycle study programs and second cycle integrated
study programs;
Criterion 2 Audit report contains a clear picture of received foreign grants, and related
services contracts for implementation of second cycle study programs and second cycle
integrated study programs;
Criterion 3 Audit report analyzes the use efficiency of revenues from students' fees in
order to increase the quality of studies in this cycle of studies.
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 14
III - STAFF OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS is COMPOSED OF
ACADEMIC STAFF, SUPPORTING TEACHING-SCIENTIFIC STAFF AND
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF.
Standard III.1 - Institution follows legal and transparent procedures for personnel
recruitment and evaluation.
Criterion 1 Institution follows legal and transparent proceedings for personnel
recruitment in accordance with the statute and regulation;
Criterion 2 Academic staff employed with fulltime in second cycle study programs and
second cycle integrated study programs comprises at least 70% of academic staff
engaged in implementation of respective study programs;
Criterion 3 Institution follows legal and transparent procedures for personnel
assessment;
Criterion 4 Institution maintains a database of personnel recruitment reports, of
announcements for jobs, etc..
Standard III.2 - Academic staff (with scientific degrees and academic titles) covers
the Institution needs and have clearly defined responsibilities.
Criterion 1 Program Manager has at least the title "Associate Professor" or the
scientific degree "Doctor" ("PHD") awarded in western universities and academic
experience in these universities;
Criterion 2 The head of course / module in study programs "Master of Science" has at
least the scientific degree "Doctor";
Criterion 3 The head and teachers of subject / module in study programs
"Professional Master" have at least the scientific degree "Doctor" or, diploma
"Professional Master" or "Master Science" and a professional experience of at least 5
years in the profession in which this study program is offered;
Criterion 4 Rector, Deputy Rector, director and deputy director of interuniversity
center,
Dean, Vice Dean, Director, Head of department, service supervisor, program supervisor
are employed with full time in the institution offering the study program;
Criterion 5 Institution provides sufficient personnel for guidance and supervision of
professional practices.
Standard III.3 - Academic staff is engaged in scientific activities organized in the
study program framework.
Criterion 1 Academic staff publishes regularly articles, scientific materials in relevant
discipline;
Criterion 2 through engagement in these activities, academic staffs give their
contribution to development of science or development of production or service sectors.
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 15
Standard III.4 - Institution offers also teaching programs in foreign language, with
a qualified academic staff.
Criterion 1 Academic staff that is engaged in teaching in foreign language has
conducted university studies in that language or possesses a certificate for its advanced
mastery;
Criterion 2 Academic staff that engages in teaching in foreign language has teaching
experience in that language for one semester at least.
Standard III.5 - Students who attend study programs of the second cycle "Master
of Science" or integrated study programs of second cycle have a supervisor for the
thesis.
Criterion 1 Students who attend these study programs have a supervisor for the
research work and thesis they prepare for diploma issue at the completion of this cycle
of studies;
Criterion 2 Supervisor has at least the scientific degree "Doctor";
Criterion 3 Supervisor supervises no more than 5 (five) students simultaneously for
themes of applied research character (such as those offered in study programs in the
fields of natural sciences, medical science, etc..) and no more than 10 (ten) students
simultaneously for themes offered in study programs in fields of social and human
sciences.
Standard III.6 - Study-research field in which the supervisor is specialized is
consistent with the study field in which the study program is provided and thesis is
foreseen to be prepared.
Criterion 1 Study-research field in which the supervisor is specialized is consistent
with the study field in which the study program is provided.
Criterion 2 Supervisor has advanced theoretical knowledge and specific research skills
in the area in which the study program is provided and in which thesis is anticipated to
be drafted.
Standard III.7 - Institution engages
administration staff to fulfill its mission.
supporting
teaching-scientific
and
Criterion 1 Institution demonstrates an optimal commitment of supporting teachingresearch staff for the realization of laboratory classes and maintenance of laboratories
and school facilities;
Criterion 2 Institution demonstrates an optimal use of human resources for meeting
objectives of study programs of second cycle.
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 16
Standard III.8 - Academic staff carries out the teaching load defined in laws and
bylaws in force.
Criterion 1 Academic staff realizes teaching load as defined in laws and regulations in
force;
Criterion 2 Teaching load carried out by academic staff in study programs
of second cycle and integrated study programs of second cycle and their organization
and management are evaluated in teaching classes.
Standard III.9 - Institution has a database for its personnel.
Criterion 1 Institution has a detailed database for its academic staff members involved
in the program and the person responsible for organizing the study program;
Criterion 2 Institution possesses a complete list of teaching- scientific support staff,
academic and administrative staff for each semester;
Criterion 3 Institution defines and publishes criteria and procedures for staff
recruitment.
Standard III.10 - Institution is committed to continuous and further training of its
staff.
Criterion 1 Institution organizes specific programs for further professional qualification
of academic and teaching-scientific staff;
Criterion 2 Institution provides academic and teaching-scientific staff with the
possibility of further qualifications in the country and abroad.
Standard III.11 - Institution has a database about scientific-research activities of
its academic staff.
Criterion 1 Institution has a database of scientific studies of academic staff engaged in
this study program;
Criterion 2 Institution has a database of publications (texts, monographs, books,
articles or presentations in conferences) inside and outside the country by academic staff
engaged in this study program;
Criterion 3 Institution has a database for national and international scientific research
projects in which academic staff engaged in this study took part or takes part.
IV - INSTITUTIONS PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF STUDENTS
Standard IV.1 - Students have the right to pursue study programs of second cycle
and integrated study programs of second cycle.
Criterion 1 Students who attend study programs "Master of Science" or "Professional
Master" have at least a university degree "Bachelor" and have accumulated 180 ECTS
credits;
Criterion 2 Admission to integrated study programs is made in accordance with
Law No. 9741 of 21.5.2007, "On Higher Education in Republic of Albania", amended,
and bylaws in force;
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 17
Criterion 3 Students meet eligibility criteria set by the institution;
Criterion 4 Students of these study programs give English exam based on
internationally recognized tests until graduation. For study programs "Professional
Master", English level is B2, and for study programs "Master of Sciences and integrated
study programs of second cycle level of English is C1, under the European Framework
for Languages;
Criterion 5 Institution evaluates admission policies and their impact on further progress
of students in the study program, and designs possible plans to change admission
criteria.
Standard IV. 2 - Institution informs students about: the institution status, study
programs it offers and employment policies.
Criterion 1 Students are given information about opportunities for employment after
graduation at the completion of these study programs;
Criterion 2 Students are given information about institution's accreditation and
study programs offered as well as recognition and validity, at home and abroad, of
diploma, issued by the institution;
Criterion 3 Students are offered career counseling service.
Standard IV. 3 - When institution applies for evaluation and accreditation for the
second time, it has statistics about the number of students attending study
programs of second cycle and integrated programs of second cycle.
Criterion 1 Institution has annual statistics on number of graduates in study programs
they have completed;
Criterion 2 Institution possesses annual statistics on number of students enrolled in
study programs of second cycle and integrated study programs second cycle,
withdrawals from program, dropouts before program completion, and unsuccessful
completion of academic year;
Criterion 3 Institution has data on academic performance of students from admission to
graduation.
Standard IV. 4 - Institution has a database about employment statistics of
graduate students after completion of study programs of second cycle and
integrated study programs of second cycle.
Criterion 1 Institution maintains a database of students employed after completion of
study programs of second cycle or integrated study programs of second cycle and their
employment places;
Criterion 2 Institution maintains a database for students who continue further studies in
other study cycles, etc..
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 18
Standard IV. 5 - Institution informs students consistently in details about study
programs.
Criterion 1 Students are informed in details about study programs, time of completion
and organization of program, program accreditation status;
Criterion 2 Students are informed about evaluation results during the program and at its
completion;
Criterion 3 The module head discusses the results of these evaluations with students
openly.
Standard IV. 6 - Institution engages its staff to care for students.
Criterion 1 Institution provides counseling for students, it follows their progress and
helps to address and resolve issues and problems that relate to the teaching process;
Criterion 2 Institution (through the office for career counseling) helps students to select
the institution in which they will carry out the professional practice, when this is
foreseen.
V - INSTITUTIONS PROVIDES SERVICES AND MAKES LIBRARIES AND
OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS
Standard V. 1 - Institution makes its library available to students.
Criterion 1 Institution provides quality textbooks and sufficient auxiliary and modern
literature;
Criterion 2 The library has sufficient literature that helps the student to conduct
successfully the study program, the scientific research project and thesis;
Criterion 3 The library has periodicals and electronic library, which contain necessary
books or journals to conduct successfully the study program, the scientific research
project and thesis;
Criterion 4 Program managers have drawn up a detailed plan to increase library items
in support of study program, scientific research project and thesis preparation by
students, including the budget planned for this purpose;
Criterion 5 Library has service hours in accordance with timetable of study programs
and needs of students.
Standard V. 2 - Institution makes available to students sufficient labs and
appropriate learning facilities.
Criterion 1 Institution indicates that it has adequate number of: labs, classrooms,
offices, studios and other facilities with electronic equipment and information
technology to carry out the study programs;
Criterion 2 Equipment of teaching facilities is suitable for teaching in accordance with
program objectives;
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 19
Criterion 3 Laboratories contain necessary equipment and tools to meet requirements
of study programs and to conduct practices provided for by study program in
accordance with program goals, and are maintained and improved continuously;
Criterion 4 depending on offered study programs, institution has at least a laboratory
for each group of lectures which foresee laboratory practices.
V. 3 - Institution has cooperative relations with domestic or foreign business actors
to carry out practices his students.
Criterion 1 for carrying out various practices provided for the realization of study
program "Master Professional", Institution demonstrates that has cooperative relations
with the enterprise or venture out areas of trade, industry or manufacturing services;
Criterion 2 To perform the different practices in the study program "Master of Science"
or in programs of integrated studies second cycle, Institution demonstrates that there is
cooperation relationship with various actors from the public sphere and that private
enable the benefit of the best professional knowledge by student.
VI - INSTITUTION HAS AND MANAGES FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Standard VI.1 - Institution drafts a financial report on costs of study programs.
Criterion 1 Institution drafts a report that contains detailed financial data on costs for
implementation of study programs, as operational costs, fixed costs of facilities and
equipment, etc..;
Criterion 2 Institution shows that it has a financial sustainability during conduct of
study programs and it has sufficient financial capacities to improve the financial
situation and generation of revenues in the future.
VII - INSTITUTION GUARANTEES INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL
COOPERATION RELATIONS
Standard VII.1 - Institution guarantees fruitful cooperation relations among its
staff.
Criterion 1 For drafting and overseeing the program, institution promotes cooperation
among staff within the institution through information exchange;
Criterion 2 With division of duties between personnel within the institution, by taking
respective responsibilities and continued analysis of their work, institution guarantees
fruitful cooperation relations.
Standard VII.2 - Institution guarantees collaborative relationship with counterpart
institutions abroad and domestic or foreign business actors.
Criterion 1 Institution has established cooperation relations with counterpart
institutions abroad and domestic or foreign business actors in order to achieve
objectives of study programs.
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 20
Criterion 2 Institution establishes cooperative relations with employers for the conduct
and supervision of practice, depending on study programs it provides;
Criterion 3 Institution organizes further vocational training in coordination with the
employer;
Criterion 4 Institution makes an analytical report of benefits from contractual
agreements for the realization of study programs.
VIII - INSTITUTION GUARANTEES QUALITY ASSURANCE
Standard VIII.1 - Institution guarantees quality assurance in realization of study
programs.
Criterion 1 Institution has met institutional standards and is accredited in institutional
level before applying for accreditation of study programs;
Criterion 2 Institution uses appropriate instruments for quality assurance;
Criterion 3 Institution establishes a policy and follows certain procedures for quality
assurance and standards of their programs;
Criterion 4 Institution uses formal mechanisms for periodic reviewing, approving and
supervision of study programs;
Criterion 5 Institution aims at raising awareness of its staff and students, who pursue
offered study programs, for quality importance and quality assurance in them;
Criterion 6 Institution designs and implements a strategy for constant quality
improving. Strategy, policy and procedures are published.
PAAHE – State Quality Standards: 21